We are sitting and watching the surf and the bay. Very…read morepeaceful. No rain, Grey skies An hour so far, doing nothing is doing something.

I passed by the Bay on my way back to Hilo from Kona. It has a beautiful view. There is free…read moreparking but the lot is a bit small so depending when you go it could be full. I didn't snorkel but lots of people were. I was on a time restraint so I didn't stay too long. I just checked out the views and left. Can't wait to come back and see more of this amazing Bay.........

This spot is off the beaten path, with no real signs leading to the sight. Although I had…read moreresearched it, we really arrived by accident and were just exploring. Goats wandering around, beautiful views and a little hike to get to the water across burial grounds. The views were really amazing. We came here twice, once during a rain storm and the other on a beautiful sunny morning. This is a special spot that you should not miss. B

Fantastic. Can't say enough. Quiet amazing place to eat a dinner and watch the sunset. Ocean…read morecrashing into lava rock all around you. The view is outrageous.

This was an amazing day trip to take, and we were extremely happy to stop here. We ended up getting…read morehere with only about 20 minutes before closing, so we didn't get to read everything we wanted, but I was very happy to see everything! The statues and the shelters are super interesting to see. I love the location; it's absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing. We took so many pictures! Remember this is a sacred place, and above all, be respectful!

This park is beautiful and sacred. You can learn indigenous Hawaiian history & culture here and…read moreexperience serenity in this very special place. I especially enjoyed walking on the lava rocks to the protected areas where I saw fish everywhere! The water is clear and perfect. This park is large and I recommend that you have at least two hours here to soak it all in. There are hiking trails and picnic areas too. There are clean bathrooms, water fountain & a small gift shop as well. Note: For visitors concerned with accessibility, it may be a little tough to access the beach areas as the terrain is sandy, rocky & uneven. I did read that beach wheelchairs are available at the visitor center though. Mahalo.

The park is small, but the waves are amazing! It's so strong, when we arrive, husband is so excited…read moreto walk to the ocean side, and a huge wave come, hit him, he got all wet from to to toe. Hahaha.

Lots of historical significance and locals fishing ... plus one stunning sunset ... were the…read morehighlights of our visit to this free state park. Kealakekua Bay was home to thousands on January 17, 1779 when Captain James Cook "discovered" people living on the Big Island of Hawaii and made contact here. This was one year after a brief Jan. 1778 visit to Waimea on Kauai. At Kealakekua, Cook and his crew were initially welcomed with gifts and special treatment; however, on February 14, 1779, the captain was killed at this site while attempting to kidnap Hawaiian King Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao. A 27-foot white obelisk was placed in 1874 on the shore in memory of the British explorer. Today, the Captain Cook Monument can be accessed via a 1.9-mile (one-way) hike from the uplands via the historic Ka'awaloa Trail. Otherwise, joining a kayaking tour is the only other option to see the memorial. Don't emphasize seeing it up close too much because there are plenty of other areas of significance and beauty in the park. Near the small parking lot at Napo'opo'o Beach is Hikiau Heiau. This sacred luakini (human sacrifice) temple is dedicated to the Hawaiian god, Lono and associated with funeral rites. Originally, the black volcanic rock structure built by King Kalani'opu'u was over 250-feet long, 100-feet wide, and 16-feet tall. A small stone platform on top is believed to have been the location of the lele (altar). It is now a protected religious site and visitors are expected to treat it as such. The park is relatively compact ... and so were parts of the road taken to get there. We followed Google maps which led us on an "off-road trail" for a few miles on the way there and then a paved road on the way out. The driving experience kind of added some excitement to the adventure. On-site is a picnic pavilion, restrooms, water fountains, trash cans, and one scenic viewpoint of waves crashing into the rocky shore (very little sand) ... and the stunning Hawaiian sunset. Since the bay is a Marine Life Conservation District many people enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking here to see the coral, tropical fish, and spinner dolphins (Nai'a) in the sheltered wonderful waters. The small parking lot of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park was full when we arrived as many locals were fishing along the shore as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. The people were also VERY friendly and helped us get a spot for the vehicle ... and place in our hearts to take in the beauty of this famous historical site on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Amazing snorkeling! Free parking within walking distance…read more Our son loved the tide pools. You'll see so much ocean life here. Not too busy either when we went, this was a very family friendly spot!

Snorkel spot. Get it done. No sand, no beach just lava rock and reefs with lots of fish and sea…read moreurchins. Proceed with caution but once in the water it's pretty amazing down there. Watch for the signs that tell you where to get in and out of. There is actually a slimy step to use. Coming out I accidentally slipped and cut my finger on the slimy rock. Scared me as I thought I might have touched a sea urchin. Parking is interesting but we were lucky and found a spot on the street. You are greeted with signs that say Pharmaceuticals detected in the water please use restroom before entering water. Ewww yuck! That kind of freaked me out.

We had a great time on the Hawaii Forest & Trail Secret Waterfalls of Kona Excursion! Our guide,…read moreMark, was incredible--he kept everyone talking and he was genuinely interested in hearing everyone's travel stories. He was very knowledgeable and provided us with a wealth of fascinating information about the island. After a comfortable van ride, we hiked a beautiful trail that led us to a series of truly stunning, pristine waterfalls. We were treated to a delicious lunch from a local deli, and we loved that it was served in eco-friendly, completely reusable containers. On the way back, we made a perfect final stop at a local macadamia nut store. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, and we recommend it!

We went on an almost 100% full (flower) moon. It was special to see the terminator line on the…read moreCelestron telescope - it had such great definition! The color of Mauna Kea with the moon shining on it was so magical all around us. There were some clouds that cleared pretty well by the end of our star gazing. We were the last ones up there so it got dark enough to see more than you'd expect with the moon. Jeff, our awesome tour guide, used a laser pointer to help us see the constellations we usually can't back at home. The images on the digital telescope like nebulas, the moon & star clusters were an amazing addition to have as keepsakes. My husband and I felt he made the tour a great balance of learning and fun. He had the group feeling like family before we even left from the pickup lot. Things to consider: I do recommend following the moons cycles booking this tour/your trip if this is especially important for you to see as many stars as possible. The sunset and views of the observatory's make it awesome anyways :) I struggled with altitude sickness around 12,000 ft. Jeff had made sure to let us know beforehand if we experienced any issues to speak up. I was hesitant as I know it would mean turning the whole tour around, but some tingling turned to dizziness and then a brief fainting. He immediately stopped the bus and helped ground me and make sure I was completely okay & coherent before letting me know our options for the tour. We made it up to the top with 2 more (included in tour) stops and I felt better with each one having more time to acclimate :) Thank you Jeff!! You handled this so professionally and I appreciate your check-ins for the rest of the trip. It's cold even with parka and gloves. It's so worth packing warm shoes and layers. The bus had ac and heat so that was great! Do it if you can! Awe-inspiring! Such an unreal environment that makes you wonder about so many things. Just take the precautions seriously, move slow and breathe deep.

Great beach! It has shade and some good views. Definitely a good place to bring the family as it is…read moresomewhat protected. Parking is expensive kind of a bummer. The area itself didn't have much amenities, but definitely have palm trees and shade, which was nice in the afternoon. Happy to make it on our first day

We swim here regularly, year-round. IMHO this is the best all-around snorkeling beach on the…read moreisland, but as with any ocean activity the surf and tide will affect your experience, so ask the lifeguards or the volunteers for advice. This protected bay has over 120 species of resident fish, and usually has clear water. Other than urchins (7 species) there is no marine life to worry about. Turtle sitings are more likely at high tide when their salad bar (the algae on the rocks) is available. Typically from 9 to 3 daily the Reef Teach volunteers have photo guide books and other reference materials available, along with free advice, defog spray, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water access is the narrow and shallow rocky channel in front of the lifeguard station by the parking and pavilion. Swim fins or sand shoes are recommended. The locals value their feet and swim through it even at low tide when it is only a foot deep. Coming back in you can actually swim all the way back to the sandy channel. The water is usually noticeably warmer and clearer away from the entry. The bay is shallow with only a few places that are even 8' deep at high tide. Unless you really need to, don't stand on the bottom or coral - fins and feet damage it.

Grant was an awesome guide. Led the process from getting outrigger canoe from the beach into the…read morewater, explaining the proper technique, providing information about the location and directing the paddle experience. Saw a large pod of dolphins that swam right by us - we stopped to keep our distance, but the dolphins didn't follow the rules so we got an amazing show from them. Added bonus was the paddling workout.

Had a great time kayaking through Kealakekua bay with Evan and Steve and then snorkeling near…read moreCaptain Cook's monument. This was our second time and it was just as fun, if not more! The early morning kayaking through the bay is soothing for the soul. We also got lucky and saw some dolphins. The snorkeling is out of this world with such clear water and variety of colorful fish of all sizes. Evan and Steve were both very attentive to all the kayakers and super knowledgeable as we learned a bunch about Hawaiian history, Captain Cook's arrival (and demise), and the lasting legacy of that episode on Hawaii's history. After all the snorkeling, the sandwich lunch hit the spot. It also came with a souvenir water bottle! I had a last minute dietary request and they graciously accommodated. Even though this was our second time, we still had fun and actually learned new details about the history and conservation efforts happening in the area! If you want a fun, yet respectful and ethical experience, this is it!

What a beautiful sandy beach also known as Magic Sands/Disappearing Sands due to the strong surf…read more It was packed here & we ate at the adjoining restaurant which was beautiful with a phenomenal view. (Magic Sands Restaurant). We were able to park for free just across the street. This beach is super small and busy. Note, it is thee only sandy beach near Kona. All the rest are super rocky & dangerous. It has shade, lifeguards, toilet facilities and a little shallow water. Be very careful of that surf & the lava rocks underneath. But the water is so beautiful and clear with a gorgeous turquoise hue. We were told we may see turtles but we didn't today. I'm assuming it was just too busy. I'm sure if we were there super early we may have a better shot at it. Do not miss.

This beach can get quite crowded, but it boasts an excellent restaurant right next to it. It…read morefeatures a volleyball area for family fun, pristine white sand, and minimal rocks.

A great place to chill with a book or picnic or take a nap. Very pretty, quiet spot…read more Got here before 9 AM on a weekday and got one of just a few parking spots along Kahaloa Road on the way in. There are only about six spots right near the beach so I say come early and take the first spot you see coming in and walk. Grass area had just a few folks when we got there. A short path leads to rocky shore area. We found a small spot in shade with pebbles and definitely had it to ourselves. Seemed too rough to snorkel at first but there is a small area to get in - and once you get in not as bad as it looks. Didn't explore too much but saw some basic fish. Around the corner on road (maybe 1/4 mi) there is also an old cement pier that might be better/easier for snorkling - you can see it from the park. There was a portopotty and a friendly person there to answer questions.

Beautiful, very well-kept beach park with a nice big grassy area with shade for picnicking and a…read moreporta-potty. Caretaker is on site. Shoreline had rocks/coral pieces - ouch! Snorkeling was good- lots of fish. There's a bottleneck where you get into snorkel. The day we visited, Sunday, there were lots of families and keiki (kids) in the protected area.